Moist towelette packaging

Abstract

The new invention allows for easy retrieval of fall backs and eases the initial threading process upon initial opening / use of the package. Threading is done without removing the cap. Several of the embodiments allow refills to be inserted into the canister without removing the lid / cap. The layout of the dispensing system and the geometry and shape of the dispensing orifice / aperture minimize and mitigate product fall backs. The new invention improves performance of the orifices / apertures through unique geometry and shape as well as using different materials from existing products or the combination of multiple materials. Varying orifice diameter, co-molded density and stiffness or geometry of the actual lobes defining the dispensing aperture allows the precise amount of friction to be created in the dispensing opening for selectively grabbing or releasing the towelette, thereby tearing the towelette connecting perforations at just the right time.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 453,553 filed Mar. 12, 2003, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 457,937 filed Mar. 28, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 490,938 filed Jul. 30, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Moist towelettes are commonly sold and used in consumer product markets. Many methods exist for packaging moist towelettes. However, there are no packages that have adequate dispensing mechanisms. Wipes and moist towelettes are packaged as center dispensing rolls in cylindrical containers or as stacks of individual horizontal towelettes. [0003] Many existing packaging systems for moist towelettes either have no dispensing mechanism, or if there is a dispensing mechanism, then it has too many limitations that inhibit functionality and ease of use. [0004] Current packages attempt to let customers remove one towelette at a time. Normally, the subsequent wipe in a package hangs out from the package for easy grasp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The new invention is intended to allow for easy retrieval of “fallbacks”, as well as easing the initial “threading” process one must go through upon initial opening / use of the package. The new invention allows threading to be done without removing the cap. Also, several of the new embodiments allow refills to be inserted into the canister without removing the lid / cap. The layout of the dispensing system and the geometry and shape of the dispensing orifice / aperture minimize and mitigate product fallbacks.

[0008] The new invention improves performance of the orifices / apertures through unique geometry and shape as well as using different materials from existing products, or the combination of multiple materials, such as hard thermoplastic molded substrate surrounding the orifice structure, with co-molded rubber-like material filling the void or aperture center. Varying orifice diameter, co-molded density and stiffness or geometry of the actual lobes defining the dispensing aperture allow the precise amount of friction to be created in the dispensing opening for selectively grabbing or releasing the towelette, thereby tearing towelette connection perforations at just the right time. That maximizes dispensing performance, and does not necessarily require the user to pull the towelettes up at an angle, as is suggested by current alternative dispensers, to ensure that the user removes only one towelette at a time.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are no packages that have adequate dispensing mechanisms.

Many existing packaging systems for moist towelettes either have no dispensing mechanism, or if there is a dispensing mechanism, then it has too many limitations that inhibit functionality and ease of use.

This is often very difficult to do.

When using the moist towelettes, hands of a user often become contaminated with substances.

Reopening the container, then finding and leading an end of a towelette through a dispensing orifice are difficult when the dispensing interruption occurs before completing a cleaning operation.

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